A CAMPAIGN for a village play area has finally paid off, after more than 20 years of pressure.

The playground, in Foulridge, was officially handed over to the parish council in a ceremony some local people never thought they would see.

People who were children when the battle for the play area began now have youngsters of their own who will get the benefit of campaigning by village residents and the parish council.

Council chairman Trevor Gregson said: "It has come as a great relief and it's something that some of us thought would never happen. It's great to see the play area being used by local children. At least my grandchildren will get to play on a proper playground." The area, off Alma Avenue, has been dogged by controversy and long arguments between developers and Pendle Council.

Much of the delay was caused by a clause which said any developer wanting to build homes on the site had to provide a play area as well.

The area was seemingly jinxed right up until the last moment. Bad weather slowed down work on landscaping and there were problems making dog grills to keep animals off the playground.

Once the roundabout was put in place it began to sink and had to be reset.

But now local children have a proper area complete with swings, slide and a see-saw, all set on a safety surface.

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